Figure Expression Using a Multi-Axis Control

ABSTRACT

Figure expression using a multi-axis control is described. In one or more implementations, a figure (e.g., a ventriloquism figure) includes a head having eyeballs, eyelids, and eyebrows. A multi-axis control is integral with the head and is configured to control the eyeballs, the eyelids, and the eyebrows responsive to manipulation of the multi-axis control by a hand of a person. In contrast to conventional approaches, the eyeballs, the eyelids, and the eyebrows of the figure are controlled only by the multi-axis control. Indeed, the multi-axis control is configured to control the eyeballs, the eyelids, and the eyebrows without application of force by a hand to any other control of the figure.

BACKGROUND

Ventriloquism is a form of entertainment that involves a person (i.e., a ventriloquist) operating a prop known as a “figure” or “dummy”. While some ventriloquists attempt to create the illusion that their voices are coming from the figures, other ventriloquists view this illusion as unnecessary, and these other ventriloquists focus largely on character portrayal through manipulation of their figures' expressions and the “stories” of the characters. In general, these figures are constructed so that they can be animated. By “animated” it is meant that a figure can be manipulated to imitate at least some behavior of a living creature, such as a human. These behaviors may include, for example, making various facial expressions by moving a figure's mouth (e.g., to talk), moving the figure's eyes (e.g., to look in different directions, blink, wink, and so on), and moving the figure's eyebrows, to name just a few. Despite the entertainment ventriloquism provides, it is not widely practiced, in part, because learning how to manipulate controls of conventional figures, so that the figures make lifelike facial expressions, is time consuming. It can take years.

By way of example, conventional figures may include a multitude of controls used in connection with moving a figure's eyes, such as a control to move the eyes side-to-side, a separate control to move a right eye up and down, a separate control to move a left eye up and down, a separate control to wink a right eyelid, a separate control to wink a left eyelid, a separate control to blink both eyelids, and separate controls to raise and lower eyebrows. In order to produce lifelike expressions with a conventional figure, a ventriloquist must often operate multiple such controls simultaneously. Operating multiple controls simultaneously requires a ventriloquist to use fingers in addition to his or her thumb and forefinger, and also requires the ventriloquist's hand be at least a certain size, e.g., to reach the different controls simultaneously. Most people naturally are not dexterous with those additional fingers, however. In order to acquire suitable dexterity in their fingers to produce lifelike expressions, most ventriloquists spend countless hours practicing. Additionally, many people who may be interested in ventriloquism (e.g., children) may not have large enough hands to operate multiple such controls simultaneously. The controls of conventional figures therefore limit not only the number of people that practice ventriloquism but also the number of people that even attempt to operate a figure.

SUMMARY

To overcome these problems, a multi-axis control is used to control figure expression. In one or more implementations, a figure (e.g., a ventriloquism figure) includes a head having eyeballs, eyelids, and eyebrows. A multi-axis control is integral with the head and is configured to control the eyeballs, the eyelids, and the eyebrows responsive to manipulation of the multi-axis control by a hand of a person. In contrast to conventional approaches, the eyeballs, the eyelids, and the eyebrows of the figure are controlled only by the multi-axis control. Indeed, the multi-axis control is configured to control the eyeballs, the eyelids, and the eyebrows without application of force by a hand to any other control of the figure. The head may be integral with a superior end of a headstick that is configured to be held by fingers of the person's hand. Further, the multi-axis control may be configured to be manipulated—to control the eyeballs, eyelids, and eyebrows—by only a thumb of the person's hand while the headstick is held in the fingers of the person's hand.

This Summary introduces a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. As such, this Summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a figure head in an example implementation with a multi-axis control configured to control expressions of the figure.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a figure head with the multi-axis control.

FIG. 3 depicts different expressions of the figure that are based on manipulation of the multi-axis control.

FIG. 4 depicts a posterior view of the figure head having an opening to a cavity in which components of the figure, which may be actuated in connection with controlling expressions of the figure, are disposed.

FIG. 5 depicts different views of an example eyeball of the figure and shows the eyeball disposed on a ball affixed atop a post.

FIG. 6 depicts a transparent side view of the figure head in which some of the components in the cavity are disposed in default positions.

FIG. 7 depicts a transparent side view of the figure head showing actuation of some of the components in the cavity based on manipulation of the multi-axis control.

FIG. 8 depicts a transparent side view of the figure head showing actuation of some of the components in the cavity based on manipulation of the multi-axis control in an opposing direction.

FIG. 9 depicts a posterior view of the figure head having an opening to a cavity showing transversal rotation of the eyeballs in a first direction based on a rotational manipulation of the multi-axis control.

FIG. 10 depicts a posterior view of the figure head having an opening to a cavity showing transversal rotation of the eyeballs in second direction based on a rotational manipulation of the multi-axis control in an opposing direction.

FIG. 11 depicts a posterior view of the figure head having an opening to a cavity in which some of the components in the cavity are disposed in default positions.

FIG. 12 depicts a posterior view of the figure head having an opening to a cavity showing actuation of eyebrows based on manipulation of the multi-axis control.

FIG. 13 depicts a posterior view of the figure head having an opening to a cavity showing actuation of the eyebrows based on manipulation of the multi-axis control in an opposing direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Ventriloquism is not widely practiced, in part, because learning how to manipulate controls of conventional figures, so that those figures make lifelike facial expressions, is time consuming. It can take years. By way of example, conventional figures may include a multitude of controls used in connection with moving the figure's eyes, such as a control to move the eyes side-to-side, a separate control to move a right eye up and down, a separate control to move a left eye up and down, a separate control to wink a right eyelid, a separate control to wink a left eyelid, a separate control to blink both eyelids, and separate controls to raise and lower eyebrows. In order to produce lifelike expressions with a conventional figure, a ventriloquist must often operate multiple such controls simultaneously. These controls limit not only the number of people that practice ventriloquism but also the number of people that even attempt to operate a figure.

Figure expression using a multi-axis control is described herein. Rather than controlling a figure's expression with multiple (e.g., five or more) controls, as in conventional configurations, the multi-axis control is a single control that, responsive to manipulation, is configured to actuate side-to-side movement of the figure's eyes, up-and-down movement of the figure's eyes, smooth circular movement of the figure's eyes (e.g., eye rolling), blinking, and eyebrow raising and lowering. Moreover, a person may manipulate this multi-axis control using just his or her thumb, as shown in the figures and described in more detail below.

By actuating side-to-side eye movement, up-and-down eye movement, roll-around eye movement, blinking, and eyebrow raising and lowering, with a single, easy-to-manipulate control, a figure configured as described herein may be operable with little practice. Indeed, a person may be able to manipulate the multi-axis control to produce lifelike expressions with the figure's eyes, eyelids, and eyebrows with mere seconds or minutes of experimentation rather than needing years of practice. Due to this, figures configured with a multi-axis control as described herein reduce at least one of the barriers to entry of ventriloquism. As such, configuring ventriloquism figures with a multi-axis control may increase a number of people that attempt to operate those figures. When those people are able to easily manipulate the figures to produce lifelike expressions, due to the multi-axis control, the number of people that practice ventriloquism (and thus purchase such figures) may also expand.

In the following discussion, an example figure head is described by way of example as being operated based on manipulation of a multi-axis control by a person's hand. However, it should be readily apparent that the following discussion is not limited to manipulation of the multi-axis control by a person's hand. The multi-axis control may be manipulated in other ways to produce expressions of a figure without departing from the spirit or scope of the described techniques.

Example Figure Head

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example implementation 100 of a figure head with a multi-axis control configured to control expressions of the figure. The illustrated example 100 includes figure head 102, which is disposed on headstick 104. The illustrated example 100 also includes multi-axis control 106 on which a thumb of a person's hand 108 is disposed.

In one or more implementations, a control rod extends from the multi-axis control 106 through the headstick 104 and into the figure head 102 to actuate the figure's eyeballs 110, eyelids 112, and eyebrow control rods 114. As discussed in more detail below, the eyeballs 110 and eyelids 112 are disposed within the figure head 102, which has eye holes 116 through which the eyeballs 110 and eyelids 112 can be seen, such as when looking at the figure's face. The eyebrow control rods 114 are disposed at least partially within the figure head 102 and extend through holes in the head so that they are also disposed at least partially outside the figure head 102. Eyebrows (not shown) may be attached to the eyebrow control rods 114 such that actuation of the eyebrow control rods 114 causes the eyebrows to move, e.g., raise and lower.

The control rod is disposed substantially along an axis 118 that extends from a bottom of the headstick 104 through a top of the figure head 102. Also depicted in this example 100 is axis 120, which is substantially perpendicular to the axis 118. The axis 120 extends through both sides of the head as well as substantially through centers of both eyeballs 110. The illustrated example 100 further includes coordinate axes 122, in relation to which movement of the eyeballs 110 is discussed.

In the following discussion, consider the movement of each of the eyeballs 110 in relation to respective coordinate axes 122, such that an origin of first coordinate axes 122 is substantially centered at a center of the left eyeball 110 and an origin of second coordinate axes 122 is substantially centered at a center of the right eyeball 110. The x-axis of the first and second coordinate axes 122 corresponds to the axis 120. The y-axis of the first coordinate axes 122 corresponds to an axis that is substantially parallel to the axis 118 and the y-axis of the second coordinate axes 122 corresponds to another axis that is substantially parallel to the axis 118.

In accordance with the described techniques, the eyeballs 110 are configured to rotate up and down substantially around the x-axis of the respective coordinate axes 122—a movement in the sagittal plane. In one or more implementations, the eyeballs 110 are configured to rotate up and down together, such that the left eyeball 110 is actuated to rotate up a same amount that the right eyeball 110 is actuated to rotate up and such that the left eyeball 110 is actuated to rotate down a same amount that the right eyeball 110 is actuated to rotate down, e.g., depending on manipulation of the multi-axis control 106.

In addition, each of the eyeballs 110 is configured to rotate side-to-side substantially around a y-axis of the respective coordinate axes 122—movement in the transverse plane. In contrast to sharing an axis, as in the up-and-down rotation, the side-to-side rotation is substantially around the y-axis of a given eyeball 110's respective coordinate axes 122. Nevertheless, an amount the eyeballs 110 rotate side-to-side around their respective y-axes matches substantially. Such movement generally imitates real life movement of eyes, where both eyes generally rotate to the left when a person looks left and both eyes generally rotate to the right when a person looks look to the right. In addition to up-and-down and side-to-side movement, the eyeballs 110 are also configured to rotate around, e.g., to roll the figure's eyes, as discussed in more detail in relation to FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view 200 of a figure head with the multi-axis control. The side view 200 includes from FIG. 1 the figure head 102, the headstick 104, the multi-axis control 106, and the hand 108. The side view 200 also depicts the left eyeball 110 and the left eyebrow control rod 114.

In the illustrated side view 200, the axis 118 is depicted toward a posterior of the headstick 104. This may correspond to scenarios in which a control rod, extending from the multi-axis control 106 and into the figure head 102, is disposed in a channel routed into a posterior of the headstick 104, where a depth of the channel allows the multi-axis control 106 to be manipulated by the hand 108 rotationally around the axis 118. In one or more implementations, this channel may have a depth that ranges from a depth corresponding to the control rod's radius to a depth corresponding to double the control rod's diameter. It is to be appreciated that the axis 118 may be located further toward the front of the figure head 102 in one or more implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of the described techniques.

The illustrated side view 200 also includes point 202, which may correspond to the axis 120. Accordingly, the eyeballs 110 may rotate in the sagittal plane around the axis 120 corresponding to the point 202, e.g., to look down, to close the eyes, or to look up. In the context of different expressions, the multi-axis control 106 can cause the figure to produce, consider the following discussion of FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 depicts examples 300 of different expressions of the figure that are based on manipulation of the multi-axis control. In particular, the illustrated examples 300 depict different expressions of the figure head 102 that can be produced by manipulating the multi-axis control 106 to actuate the eyeballs 110, the eyelids 112, and the eyebrow control rods 114 of the figure.

The illustrated examples 300 include a default expression 302, a right-looking expression 304, a left-looking expression 306, an up-looking expression 308, a down-looking expression 310, a right-and-up looking expression 312, a right-and-down looking expression 314, a left-and-up looking expression 316, and a left-and-down looking expression 318. It is to be appreciated that a figure may be configured to produce additional expressions based on manipulation of the multi-axis control 106 without departing from the spirit or scope of the described techniques.

In one or more implementations, the figure is configured to produce the default expression 302 when the multi-axis control 106 is not manipulated, e.g., no force is applied to the multi-axis control 106 to slide the control rod up or down, no force is applied to the control rod to rotate it either direction in the transverse plane, and so forth. The default expression 302 may be produced, in part, by biasing various components of the figure head 102 in positions that correspond to the default expression 302. Although the default expression 302 is depicted as being a straight-forward looking expression, it should be appreciated that a figure's components may be biased in different positions without departing from the spirit or scope of the described techniques, such that a default expression may correspond to other expressions (including any one of the illustrated examples). Manners in which the components may be biased to return to a default expression—absent application of force to the multi-axis control 106—are discussed further below. Moreover, the eyeballs 110, the eyelids 112, and the eyeball control rods 114 are configured to remain substantially in default positions absent manipulation of the multi-axis control 106 from its default position.

The multi-axis control 106 is configured, responsive to manipulation, to actuate the eyeballs 110 and the eyelids 112 to rotate in the transversal plane to the right to produce the right-looking expression 304. In one or more implementations, this manipulation involves application of a force to the multi-axis control 106 to cause the control rod extending from the multi-axis control 106 to rotate, e.g., to rotate in the transversal plane but in an opposing direction to the rightward rotation of the eyeballs 110. This motion of the eyeballs 110 and the eyelids 112 as well as the corresponding manipulation of the multi-axis control 106 is depicted in FIG. 10. The arrow between the right-looking expression 304 and the default expression 302 indicates that the default expression 302 can be produced from the right-looking expression 304, such as based on return of the multi-axis control 106 to a position in which it is disposed in connection with producing the default expression 302.

The multi-axis control 106 is also configured, responsive to manipulation, to actuate the eyeballs 110 and the eyelids 112 to rotate in the transversal plane to the left to produce the left-looking expression 306. In one or more implementations, this manipulation involves application of a force to the multi-axis control 106 to cause the control rod extending from the multi-axis control 106 to rotate, e.g., to rotate in the transversal plane but in an opposing direction to the leftward rotation of the eyeballs 110. This motion of the eyeballs 110 and the eyelids 112 as well as the corresponding manipulation of the multi-axis control 106 is depicted in FIG. 9. The arrow between the left-looking expression 306 and the default expression 302 indicates that the default expression 302 can be produced from the left-looking expression 306, such as based on return of the multi-axis control 106 to a position in which it is disposed in connection with producing the default expression 302.

Movement of the eyeballs 110 and eyelids 112 between the right-looking expression 304, the default expression 302, and the left-looking expression 306 corresponds to “side-to-side” movement of the figure's eyes.

The multi-axis control 106 is also configured, responsive to manipulation, to actuate the eyeballs 110 and the eyelids 112 to rotate in the sagittal plan upward to produce the up-looking expression 308. In one or more implementations, this manipulation involves application of a force to the multi-axis control 106 to cause the control rod extending from the multi-axis control 106 to slide downward, e.g., along the axis 118. In other words, when the multi-axis control 106 is manipulated downward, the eyeballs 110 are configured to “look” up. This motion of the eyeballs 110 and the eyelids 112 as well as the corresponding manipulation of the multi-axis control 106 is depicted in FIG. 8. The arrow between the up-looking expression 308 and the default expression 302 indicates that the default expression 302 can be produced from the up-looking expression 308, such as based on return of the multi-axis control 106 to a position in which it is disposed in connection with producing the default expression 302.

Zoomed view 320 depicts movement of one of the eyebrow control rods 114 in connection with the up-looking expression 308. In particular, the zoomed view 320 depicts a rotation in the frontal plane of the right eyebrow control rod 114 such that the portion extending outside of the figure head 102 rotates counterclockwise from default position 322 (counterclockwise when looking at the figure's face). In the up-looking expression 308, the left eyebrow control rod 114 is also illustrated rotated in the frontal plane and is rotated clockwise from a default position (clockwise when looking at the figure's face). In operation, eyebrows may be attached to the eyebrow control rods 114, such that when the eyebrow control rods 114 rotate, as discussed in connection with the up-looking expression 308, this rotation causes the eyebrows “raise”.

The multi-axis control 106 is also configured, responsive to manipulation, to actuate the eyeballs 110 and the eyelids 112 to rotate in the sagittal plan downward to produce the down-looking expression 310. In one or more implementations, this manipulation involves application of a force to the multi-axis control 106 to cause the control rod extending from the multi-axis control 106 to slide upward, e.g., along the axis 118. In other words, when the multi-axis control 106 is manipulated upward, the eyeballs 110 are configured to “look” down. This motion of the eyeballs 110 and the eyelids 112 as well as the corresponding manipulation of the multi-axis control 106 is depicted in FIG. 7. The arrow between the down-looking expression 310 and the default expression 302 indicates that the default expression 302 can be produced from the down-looking expression 310, such as based on return of the multi-axis control 106 to a position in which it is disposed in connection with producing the default expression 302.

Zoomed view 324 depicts movement of one of the eyebrow control rods 114 in connection with the down-looking expression 310. In particular, the zoomed view 324 depicts a rotation in the frontal plane of the right eyebrow control rod 114 such that the portion extending outside of the figure head 102 rotates clockwise from the default position 322 (clockwise when looking at the figure's face). In the down-looking expression 310, the left eyebrow control rod 114 is also illustrated rotated in the frontal plane and is rotated counterclockwise from a default position (counterclockwise when looking at the figure's face). As noted above, eyebrows may be attached to the eyebrow control rods 114, such that when the eyebrow control rods 114 rotate, as discussed in connection with the down-looking expression 310, this rotation causes the eyebrows “lower”.

In addition, as the eyeballs 110 “look” down, as in the down-looking expression 310, the eyelids 112 rotate toward a closed position. Although the figure's eyes are shown as partially open in the down-looking expression 310, it is to be appreciated that the multi-axis control 106 can be manipulated further to cause the figure's eyes to close fully, such that solely the eyelids 112 can be seen through the eye holes 116. This allows the figure to “blink.” As discussed herein, “blinking” refers to both eyes closing substantially simultaneously. Blinking contrasts with “winking,” which refers to functionality of eyelids to operate independently of one another, such that one eyelid may be closed while another eyelid remains open, i.e., to “wink” the eye having the closed eyelid.

In one or more implementations, the multi-axis control 106 is limited to controlling the figure to blink by closing both eyelids 112 simultaneously—it is not configured to cause the figure to wink. This contrasts with conventional figures that are configured to wink and blink. Nonetheless, the limitation to blink but not wink enables the winking to be controlled by the multi-axis control 106, without requiring the additional controls of conventional figures used to cause the winking. A fixed attachment of the eyelids 112 to the eyeballs 110, rather than configuring the eyelids 112 to be separately controlled as in conventional techniques, further enables the multi-axis control 106 to control the figure's blinking. The fixed attachment of the eyelids 112 to the eyeballs 110 is discussed further in relation to FIG. 5.

Movement of the eyeballs 110 and the eyelids 112 between the up-looking expression 308, the default expression 302, and the down-looking expression 310 corresponds to “up-and-down” movement of the figure's eyes.

The multi-axis control 106 is also configured, responsive to manipulation, to actuate the eyeballs 110 and the eyelids 112 to produce the right-and-up looking expression 312, the right-and-down looking expression 314, the left-and-up looking expression 316, and the left-and-down looking expression 318. By way of example, the multi-axis control 106 is configured to be manipulated circularly to roll the eyeballs 110 and the eyelids 112 from the right-looking expression 304 to the right-and-up looking expression 312 to the up-looking expression 308 (and in the opposing direction). It is to be appreciated that the multi-axis control 106 is configured to roll the eyeballs 110 and the eyelids 112 around to each of the just mentioned expressions. In this example 300, such rolling is illustrated by the curved arrows.

In addition to rolling the eyes, the multi-axis control 106 is further configured to actuate the eyeballs 110 and the eyelids 112 to rotate from the positions in the default expression 302 to the right-and-up looking expression 312, the right-and-down looking expression 314, the left-and-up looking expression 316, and the left-and-down looking expression 318. These rotations are movements in a combination of the sagittal and transverse planes. The diagonal movement of the eyeballs 110 and the eyelids 112 from the default expression 302 to the right-and-up looking expression 312, the right-and-down looking expression 314, the left-and-up looking expression 316, and the left-and-down looking expression 318 is further illustrated with arrows. Movement of the eyeballs 110 and the eyelids 112 around—such as between the expressions 304, 312, 308—may be referred to as “roll-around” movement of the figure's eyes. Movement of the eyeballs 110 from the default expression 302 to the “corner of the eye” expressions—such as between the expressions 302, 312 and between the expressions 302, 316—may be referred to as “multi-axis” movement of the figure's eyes.

As illustrated in this example 300, the eyebrow control rods 114 are also configured to move in connection with the “corner of the eye” expressions. In the right-and-up looking expression 312 and the left-and-up looking expression 316, for instance, the eyebrow control rods 114 are depicted rotated in the frontal plane upward and outward, e.g., to raise eyebrows. Although the eyebrow control rods 114 are depicted rotating upward in those corner of the eye expressions substantially a same amount as in the up-looking expression 308, it is to be appreciated that the eyebrow control rods 114 may rotate a different amount in a corner of the eye expression. By way of example, the right eyebrow control rod 114 may be configured to rotate a greater absolute number of radians than the left eyebrow control rod 114 in the right-and-up looking expression 312. Similarly, the left eyebrow control rod 114 may rotate a greater absolute number of radians than the right eyebrow control rod 114 in the left-and-up looking expression 316. The eyebrow control rods 114 may also rotate a different amount in the downward corner of the eye expressions.

Accordingly, the multi-axis control 106 can be manipulated to cause all of: side-to-side movement of a figure's eyes, up-and-down movement of the figure's eyes, and roll-around movement of the figure's eyes. The multi-axis control 106 can also be manipulated to move the eyelids 112 (e.g., to close them and/or blink) and to move eyebrows (e.g., to raise and lower them due to rotation of the eyebrow control rods 114). In this way, the person's hand 108 can manipulate solely the multi-axis control 106 to cause all of those movements without manipulation of a second control.

It is to be appreciated that the multi-axis control 106 may also be configured to control different combinations of these movements in one or more implementations. By way of example, a figure may not include eyebrows or may not include moveable eyebrows in some implementations. In such cases, the multi-axis control 106 may nevertheless be manipulated to control the above-noted movement of the figure's eyeballs 110 and eyelids 112. The multi-axis control 106 may be configured to control other combinations of the above-discussed movements without departing from the spirit or scope of the described techniques. It is further to be appreciated that a figure having the multi-axis control may be configured with additional controls to control body parts of the figure in addition to its eye-related body parts, such as a mouth of the figure, arms and legs of the figure, and so forth. Consider now one example implementation of the figure head 102 to enable the above-discussed movements with a single control (i.e., the multi-axis control 106) in the context of FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 depicts a posterior view 400 of the figure head having an opening to a cavity in which components of the figure, which may be actuated in connection with controlling expressions of the figure, are disposed.

The illustrated view 400 depicts an example of the figure head 102 from its posterior. The view 400 also includes the headstick 104, the multi-axis control 106, the eyeballs 110 having the eyelids 112, and the eyebrow control rods 114. For reference, the view also depicts the axis 118. In this example 400, the figure head 102 includes an opening 402 to a cavity 404 within the figure head 102 and where components of the figure are at least partially disposed, including the eyeballs 110 with the eyelids 112 and the eyebrow control rods 114.

In this example 400, control rod 406 extends from the multi-axis control 106 substantially along the axis 118 into the cavity 404 of the figure head 102. The control rod 406 is partially sheathed within guide tube 408, which is disposed in channel 410. The channel 410 may be configured as a track, routed out of the headstick 104 in one or more implementations. From the multi-axis control 106, the control rod 406 extends substantially along the axis 118 through flexible joint 412 to first pivot point 414. Within the flexible joint 412, the control rod 406 may be discontinuous, such that a portion of the control rod 406 from the multi-axis control 106 to the flexible joint 412 comprises a first piece and a portion of the control rod 406 from the flexible joint 412 through the first pivot point 414 comprises a second piece. In one or more implementations, the control rod 406 is made of a substantially rigid material, e.g., brass. The guide tube 408 also may be made of a substantially rigid material.

The flexible joint 412 is configured to allow an angle between the first portion of the control rod 406 and the second portion of the control rod 406 to change, such as to enable the eyeballs 110 to roll up (e.g., as in the up-looking expression 308) and down (e.g., as in the down-looking expression 310). This flexion and extension is discussed further below in relation to FIGS. 7 and 8. The flexible joint 412 may be formed of a variety of materials to enable this flexion and extension, such as heat-shrink tubing.

At the first pivot point 414, the control rod 406 turns substantially perpendicular to the axis 118 toward a front of the figure head 102 (e.g., the face). The control rod 406 extends from the first pivot point 414 to second pivot point 416. At the second pivot point 416, the control rod 406 interfaces with yoke 418. Between the flexible joint 412 and the first pivot point 414, the control rod 406 is saddled by guideposts 420. The saddle formed by the guideposts 420 limits side-to-side shifting of the control rod 406 due to manipulation of the multi-axis control 106, such as manipulation to actuate the eyeballs 110 to rotate side-to-side. By limiting the side-to-side shifting of the control rod 406, the guideposts 420 enable energy to be transferred instead to side-to-side rotation of the eyeballs 110, e.g., rotation in the transverse plane.

The yoke 418 interfaces with a yoke post 422 of each eyeball 110. Further, the eyeballs 110 may be disposed on eyeball posts 424. Inferior ends of the eyeball posts 424 may be mounted to headboard 426. In one or more implementations, the eyeball posts 424 are mounted in a fixed position—the eyeball posts 424 are not configured to rotate. Rather, balls (not shown) may be fixed to superior ends of the eyeball posts 424, forming ball and socket joints with cavities of the eyeballs 110, as discussed below in relation to FIG. 5. In one or more implementations, the balls fixed to the superior ends of the eyeball posts 424 also are not configured to rotate.

The yoke 418 spans substantially along an axis (not shown) between the yoke posts 422. At the interface of the yoke 418 and the yoke posts 422, the yoke 418 takes a downward turn, such that each end of the yoke 418 passes through a hole of a respective yoke post 422. The interface between the yoke 418 and the yoke posts 422 may be suitably loose to allow the yoke posts 422 to rotate around the respective ends of the yoke 418. However, a force applied to shift the yoke 418 in a direction (e.g., to the left or right) causes the yoke 418's ends to be disposed against walls of the respective yoke post 422's interfacing holes, such that both of the yoke posts 422 also shift in the direction and cause the eyeballs 110 to rotate around the eyeball posts 424.

The illustrated view 400 also includes eyebrow crossbar 428, eyebrow control rod saddles 430, and eyebrow fulcrums 432. The eyebrow crossbar 428 may be configured to support the eyebrow control rods 114 and their actuation based on rotation of the eyebrow fulcrums 432. The eyebrow control rod saddles 430 may be mounted on the eyebrow crossbar 428. The eyebrow control rod saddles 430 are configured to limit movement of the eyebrow control rods 114 to rotational movement in the frontal plane—around a respective axis that extends substantially from a front of the figure head 102, where the eyebrow control rod 114 passes through a hole in a face of the figure head 102, to the respective eyebrow control rod saddle 430. The eyebrow control rod saddles 430 may be configured as loops through which the eyebrow control rods 114 extend to interface with the eyebrow fulcrums 432. The eyebrow fulcrums 432 are configured to rotate based on application of tension to cords 434, which may be due to one or more manipulations of the multi-axis control 106. Application of this tension is discussed in more detail in relation to FIGS. 11-13.

The illustrated view 400 also includes lower cord crossbar 436, around which at least some of the cords 434 may be disposed. By way of example, a first set of the cords 434 may originate at connections with medial portions of a respective eyebrow fulcrum 432, pass beneath the lower cord crossbar 436 from a posterior to an anterior side, and terminate at a connection point that is attached to the control rod 406 and that is disposed substantially at the first pivot point 414. A second set of the cords 434 may originate at connections with lateral portions of a respective eyebrow fulcrum 432 and also terminate at the connection point that is attached to the control rod 406 at the first pivot point 414. In contrast to the first set of cords 434, thought, the second set may not pass underneath the lower cord crossbar 436.

The illustrated view 400 also includes tensioners 438. The tensioners 438 may have generally elastic properties, such that the tensioners 438 are configured to expand suitably to allow for rotation of the control rod 406 and the eyebrow fulcrums 432 and also so that the tensioners 438 are configured to return the components of the figure to default positions absent application of force. In one or more implementations, the tensioners 438 are configured to dispose the components of the figure to default positions to produce the default expression 302. The tensioners 438 may be various materials without departing from the spirit or scope of the described techniques, such as bungee cords, shock cord, piano spring wire, and so forth. Turning now to a discussion of an example implementation of an eyeball 110 in accordance with the described techniques.

FIG. 5 depicts different views 500 of an example eyeball of the figure and show the eyeball disposed on a ball affixed atop a post.

In particular, the different views 500 of the eyeball 110 include top view 502, front view 504, rear projection view 506, rear view 508, left-side view 510, and bottom view 512. These different views depict the eyeball 110 having the eyelid 112 attached. This contrasts with conventional ventriloquism figures, which do not have eyelids attached to eyeballs. As noted above, conventional ventriloquism figures are constructed with eyelids that are separate from the eyeballs and controlled using additional controls from eyeball controls. By attaching the eyelid 112 to the eyeball 110, movement of a figure's eyes imitates real life—when a real person or animal looks down its eyelids close at least partially. In addition, the attachment of the eyelids 112 to the eyeballs 110 enables the eyelids 112 to be controlled by the multi-axis control 106 along with controlling the eyeballs 110.

The different views 500 also depict the respective eyeball post 424 of the eyeball 110. Ball 514 is depicted affixed at a superior end of the eyeball post 424. Here, the ball 514 is disposed within cavity 516 of the eyeball 110, forming a “ball and socket” joint with the eyeball 110. The different views 500 also depict channel 518. The channel 518 restricts rotation of the eyeball 110 on the ball and socket joint to movements where the channel swings over the eyeball post 424, e.g., to rotate the eyeball 110 up and down. The channel 518 may also restrict the movement of the eyeball 110 at least partially in the sagittal plane (to move the eyeball 110 up and down), such as when the eyeball 110 is rotated downward until a front channel wall 520 of the eyeball 110 contacts the eyeball post 424.

FIG. 6 depicts a transparent side view 600 of the figure head in which some of the components in the cavity are disposed in default positions.

The transparent side view 600 depicts the figure head 102 from a left side. In this view 600, a side housing of the head is transparent so that various components disposed within the cavity 404 of the figure head 102 are visible. The figure's components depicted in the transparent side view 600 include the headstick 104, the multi-axis control 106, the control rod 406, the flexible joint 412, the interface between the control rod 406 and the yoke 418 at the second pivot point 416, the yoke post 422 of the left eyeball 110, and the eyelid 112 statically fixed to the eyeball 110. This view 600 represents a scenario where those components are disposed in default positions, such as where no force is applied to the multi-axis control 106. By way of example, the disposition of the components in the default positions may correspond to the default expression 302.

FIG. 7 depicts a transparent side view 700 of the figure head showing actuation of some of the components in the cavity based on manipulation of the multi-axis control.

In the transparent side view 700 the figure head 102 is depicted from a left side and is transparent so that the various components discussed in relation to FIG. 6 are visible. In contrast to FIG. 6 though, the components are depicted actuated in the transparent side view 700, e.g., based on an upward shift or sliding of the multi-axis control 106. Here, the multi-axis control 106 is depicted shifted upward substantially along the axis 118 from default position 702. This shift along the axis 118 may correspond to a manipulation of the multi-axis control 106, such as where the hand 108 applies a force to shift the multi-axis control 106 up from an inferior position (e.g., the default position 702) to the superior position at which the multi-axis control 106 is depicted in the view 700.

This upward manipulation actuates the components of the figure to rotate the eyeball 110 downward. A direction of this rotation is represented by arrow 704. Here, more of the eyelid 112 is visible through the eye hole 116 than in the default positions depicted in FIG. 6. Dashed outline 706 represents the default positions of at least some of the components. The actuated positions of the components depicted in the transparent side view 700 may correspond to the down-looking expression 310.

In addition, the transparent side view 700 depicts the control rod 406 hinging at the flexible joint 412. In particular, the transparent side view 700 depicts a portion of the control rod 406, between the flexible joint 412 and the second pivot point 416, hinging toward a front of the figure head 102, e.g., toward the face. In other words, an anterior angle between this portion of the control rod 406 and the portion of the control rod 406 between the flexible joint 412 and the multi-axis control 106 is more acute than in the default positions depicted in FIG. 6. This hinging may enable the eyeballs 110 to be rolled downward as depicted.

FIG. 8 depicts a transparent side view 800 of the figure head showing actuation of some of the components in the cavity based on manipulation of the multi-axis control in an opposing direction.

In the transparent side view 800 the figure head 102 is also depicted from a left side and is transparent so that the various components discussed in relation to FIG. 6 are visible. In contrast to FIG. 6 though, the components are depicted actuated in the transparent side view 800. Here, the multi-axis control 106 is depicted shifted downward substantially along the axis 118 from default position 802. This shift along the axis 118 may correspond to a manipulation of the multi-axis control 106 where the hand 108 applies a force to shift the multi-axis control 106 down from a superior position (e.g., the default position 802) to the inferior position at which the multi-axis control 106 is depicted in the view 800.

This downward manipulation actuates the components of the figure to rotate the eyeball 110 upward. A direction of this rotation is represented by arrow 804. Here, less (if any) of the eyelid 112 is visible through the eye hole 116 than in the default positions depicted in FIG. 6. Dashed outline 806 represents the default positions of at least some of the components. The actuated positions of the components depicted in the transparent side view 800 may correspond to the up-looking expression 308.

In addition, the transparent side view 800 depicts the control rod 406 hinging at the flexible joint 412 in an opposing direction to the hinging depicted in FIG. 7. In one or more implementations, a portion of the control rod 406, between the flexible joint 412 and the second pivot point 416, may hinge away from a front of the figure head 102 responsive to a manipulation that shifts the multi-axis control downward. In other words, the anterior angle between this portion of the control rod 406 and the portion of the control rod 406 between the flexible joint 412 and the multi-axis control 106 is less acute than in the default positions depicted in FIG. 6 or in the forward-hinged position depicted in FIG. 7. This hinging may enable the eyeballs 110 to be rolled upward as depicted.

FIG. 9 depicts a posterior view 900 of the figure head having an opening to a cavity showing transversal rotation of the eyeballs in a first direction based on a rotational manipulation of the multi-axis control.

The posterior view 900 depicts the figure head 102 from its posterior. In this view 900, components disposed within the cavity 404 of the figure head 102 are visible through the opening 402 to the cavity 404. The figure's components depicted in the posterior view 900 include the headstick 104, the multi-axis control 106, the control rod 406, the flexible joint 412, the yoke 418, the yoke posts 422, and the eyeballs 110 disposed on the eyeball posts 424. The posterior view also depicts respective axes 902, which extend substantially along a length of the eyeball posts 424.

In this view 900, those components are depicted actuated based on rotation of the multi-axis control 106. In particular, the multi-axis control 106 is rotated from default position 904 substantially around the axis 118 toward a front of the figure. This rotation may correspond to a manipulation of the multi-axis control 106, such as where the hand 108 applies a force to rotate the multi-axis control 106 from a posterior position (e.g., the default position 904) around the axis 118 to the anterior position at which the multi-axis control 106 is depicted in the view 900.

This rotation in the transverse plane actuates components of the figure to rotate the eyeballs 110 around the respective axes 902 and causes the eyes to “look” left. The rotation of the eyeballs 110 about the respective axes 902 is represented by arrows 906 and the direction in which the eyes are “looking” is represented by the arrow 908. Dashed outline 910 represents default positions of at least some of the components. The actuated positions of the components depicted in the posterior view 900 may correspond to the left-looking expression 306.

FIG. 10 depicts a posterior view of the figure head having an opening to a cavity showing transversal rotation of the eyeballs in second direction based on a rotational manipulation of the multi-axis control in an opposing direction.

In the posterior view 1000, the figure head 102 is also depicted from the posterior so that the various components discussed in relation to FIG. 9 are visible. In contrast to FIG. 9 though, those components are depicted actuated based on an opposing rotation of the multi-axis control 106. In particular, the multi-axis control 106 is rotated from default position 1002 substantially around the axis 118 toward a posterior of the figure. This rotation may correspond to a manipulation of the multi-axis control 106, such as where the hand 108 applies a force to rotate the multi-axis control 106 from an anterior position (e.g., the default position 1002) around the axis 118 to the posterior position at which the multi-axis control 106 is depicted in the view 1000.

This rotation in the transverse plane actuates components of the figure to rotate the eyeballs 110 around respective axes 1004 and causes the eyes to “look” right. The rotation of the eyeballs 110 about the respective axes 1004 is represented by arrows 1006 and the direction in which the eyes are “looking” is represented by the arrow 1008. Dashed outline 1010 represents default positions of at least some of the components. The actuated positions of the components depicted in the posterior view 1000 may correspond to the right-looking expression 304.

FIG. 11 depicts a posterior view 1100 of the figure head having an opening to a cavity in which some of the components in the cavity are disposed in default positions.

The posterior view 1100 depicts the figure head 102 from its posterior. In this view 900, components disposed within the cavity 404 of the figure head 102 are visible through the opening 402 to the cavity 404. The figure's components depicted in the posterior view 900 include the headstick 104, the multi-axis control 106, the control rod 406, the flexible joint 412, the eyebrow control rods 114, the eyebrow crossbar 428, the eyebrow control rod saddles 430, the eyebrow fulcrums 432, the cords 434, the lower cord crossbar 436, and the tensioners 438. This view 1100 represents a scenario where those components are disposed in default positions, such as where no force is applied to the multi-axis control 106. By way of example, the disposition of the components in such default positions may correspond to the default expression 302.

FIG. 12 depicts a posterior view 1200 of the figure head having an opening to a cavity showing actuation of eyebrows based on manipulation of the multi-axis control.

In the posterior view 1200, the figure head 102 is also depicted from the posterior so that various components discussed in relation to FIG. 11 are visible. In contrast to FIG. 11 though, those components are depicted actuated in the posterior view 1200 based on an upward shift or sliding of the multi-axis control 106. Here, the multi-axis control 106 is depicted shifted upward substantially along the axis 118 from default position 1202. This shift along the axis 118 may correspond to a manipulation of the multi-axis control 106, such as where the hand 108 applies a force to shift the multi-axis control 106 up from an inferior position (e.g., the default position 1202) to the superior position at which the multi-axis control 106 is depicted in the view 1200.

This upward manipulation of the multi-axis control 106 actuates the components of the figure to rotate the eyebrow control rods 114 in the frontal plane. This rotation is represented by arrows 1204(1)-(4). Specifically, the arrows 1204(1), 1204(2) represent rotation of the portions of the eyebrow control rods 114 disposed within the figure head 102, and the arrows 1204(3), 1204(4) represent rotation of the portions of the eyebrow control rods 114 (the anterior ends) disposed outside the figure head 102. Here, the arrows 1204(3), 1204(4) represent a rotation of the anterior ends of the eyebrow control rods 114 that corresponds to lowering eyebrows 1206. In one or more implementations, the eyebrows 1206 are attached to the anterior portions of the eyebrow control rods 114 disposed outside the figure head 102.

To cause the eyebrow control rods 114 and the eyebrows 1206 to rotate as represented by the arrows 1204(1)-(4), the multi-axis control 106 actuates the control rod 406 to shift upward from an inferior position to a superior position. The connection point, integral with the control rod 406 and disposed substantially at the first pivot point 414, is thus also shifted upward. This increases tension on a first set of the cords 434(1), 434(2) causing them to tighten. Due to passing underneath the lower cord crossbar 436, the tightening of this first set of the cords 434(1), 434(2) also causes them to pull downward on the medial portions of the eyebrow fulcrums 432. Responsive to this, the eyebrow fulcrums 432 rotate around respective axes that extend substantially a length of the eyebrow control rods 114 (the portions within the figure head). This rotation is similar to the rotations represented by the arrows 1204(1)-(4). During this actuation, a second set of the cords 434(3), 434(4) slackens. The actuated positions of the components depicted in the posterior view 1200 may correspond to the down-looking expression 310.

FIG. 13 depicts a posterior view 1300 of the figure head having an opening to a cavity showing actuation of the eyebrows based on manipulation of the multi-axis control in an opposing direction.

In the posterior view 1300, the figure head 102 is also depicted from the posterior so that various components discussed in relation to FIG. 11 are visible. In contrast to FIG. 11 though, those components are depicted actuated in the posterior view 1300 based on a downward shift or sliding of the multi-axis control 106. Here, the multi-axis control 106 is depicted shifted downward substantially along the axis 118 from default position 1302. This shift along the axis 118 may correspond to a manipulation of the multi-axis control 106, such as where the hand 108 applies a force to shift the multi-axis control 106 down from a superior position (e.g., the default position 1302) to the inferior position at which the multi-axis control 106 is depicted in the view 1300.

This downward manipulation of the multi-axis control 106 actuates the components of the figure to rotate the eyebrow control rods 114 in the frontal plane, but in an opposing direction as the actuation depicted in FIG. 12. This opposing rotation is represented by arrows 1304(1)-(4). Specifically, the arrows 1304(1), 1304(2) represent rotation of the portions of the eyebrow control rods 114 disposed within the figure head 102, and the arrows 1304(3), 1304(4) represent rotation of the portions of the eyebrow control rods 114 (the anterior ends) disposed outside the figure head 102. Here, the arrows 1304(3), 1304(4) represent a rotation of the anterior ends of the eyebrow control rods 114 that corresponds to raising the eyebrows 1206.

To cause the eyebrow control rods 114 and the eyebrows 1206 to rotate as represented by the arrows 1304(1)-(4), the multi-axis control 106 actuates the control rod 406 to shift downward from a superior position to an inferior position. The connection point, integral with the control rod 406 and disposed substantially at the first pivot point 414, is thus also shifted downward. This increases tension on the second set of the cords 434(3), 434(4) causing them to tighten. This tightening further causes the second set of cords 434(3), 434(4) to pull downward on the lateral portions of the eyebrow fulcrums 432. Responsive to this, the eyebrow fulcrums 432 rotate around the respective axes that extend substantially the length of the eyebrow control rods 114 (the portions within the figure head 102). This rotation is similar to the rotations represented by the arrows 1304(1)-(4). During this actuation, the first set of cords 434(1), 434(2) slackens. The actuated positions of the components depicted in the posterior view 1300 may correspond to the up-looking expression 308.

Conclusion

Although aspects of figure expression using a multi-axis control have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as example implementations of figure expression using a multi-axis control. Further, various different examples are described, and it is to be appreciated that each described example can be implemented independently or in connection with one or more other described examples. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A ventriloquism figure comprising: a head having eyes; and a multi-axis control configured to control: side-to-side movement of the eyes; up-and-down movement of the eyes; and roll-around movement of the eyes.
 2. The ventriloquism figure as described in claim 1, wherein the multi-axis control is configured to control the side-to-side movement of the eyes, the up-and-down movement of the eyes, and the roll-around movement of the eyes responsive to application of force by a hand of a person to manipulate the multi-axis control.
 3. The ventriloquism figure as described in claim 2, wherein the multi-axis control is configured to control the side-to-side movement of the eyes, the up-and-down movement of the eyes, and the roll-around movement of the eyes without application of force by a hand of the person to any other controls.
 4. The ventriloquism figure as described in claim 2, further comprising one or more tensioners configured to return the eyes to a default expression responsive to removal of all application of force from the multi-axis control.
 5. The ventriloquism figure as described in claim 1, wherein the multi-axis control is further configured to control blinking of the ventriloquism figure's eyelids.
 6. The ventriloquism figure as described in claim 5, wherein the eyelids are fixed to the eyes.
 7. The ventriloquism figure as described in claim 5, wherein the multi-axis control is configured to lower the eyelids and actuate downward movement of the eyes simultaneously.
 8. The ventriloquism figure as described in claim 1, wherein the multi-axis control is further configured to control raising and lowering of the ventriloquism figure's eyebrows.
 9. The ventriloquism figure as described in claim 8, wherein the multi-axis control is configured to raise the eyebrows and actuate upward movement of the eyes simultaneously.
 10. The ventriloquism figure as described in claim 8, wherein the multi-axis control is configured to lower the eyebrows and actuate downward movement of the eyes simultaneously.
 11. The ventriloquism figure as described in claim 1, wherein the multi-axis control is configured to control all of the side-to-side movement of the eyes, the up-and-down movement of the eyes, the roll-around movement of the eyes, blinking of the ventriloquism figure's eyelids, and raising and lowering of the ventriloquism figure's eyebrows without application of force by a hand of a person to any other controls.
 12. An apparatus comprising: a figure head having eyeballs, eyelids, and eyebrows; and a multi-axis control integral with the figure head and configured to control the eyeballs, the eyelids, and the eyebrows responsive to manipulation of the multi-axis control by a hand of a person.
 13. The apparatus as described in claim 12, wherein the eyeballs, the eyelids, and the eyebrows are controlled only by the multi-axis control.
 14. The apparatus as described in claim 12, wherein the multi-axis control is configured to control the eyeballs, the eyelids, and the eyebrows without application of force by the hand of the person to any other control.
 15. The apparatus as described in claim 12, further comprising a headstick, wherein: the figure head is integral with a superior end of the headstick and the headstick is configured to be held at least partially in fingers of the person's hand; and the multi-axis control is configured to be manipulated by only a thumb of the person's hand while the headstick is held in the fingers of the person's hand.
 16. The apparatus as described in claim 12, wherein the multi-axis control is configured to control the eyeballs to move side-to-side, move up-and-down, and roll around.
 17. The apparatus as described in claim 12, wherein the multi-axis control is configured to control the eyelids to blink.
 18. The apparatus as described in claim 12, wherein the multi-axis control is configured to control the eyebrows to raise and lower.
 19. A method comprising: biasing eyes, eyelids, and eyebrows of a ventriloquism figure's head in default positions; and controlling, responsive to manipulation by a person's hand of only a multi-axis control, the eyes, eyelids, and eyebrows simultaneously to produce one or more expressions of the ventriloquism figure's face.
 20. The method as described in claim 19, wherein biasing the eyes, eyelids, and eyebrows in the default positions produces a default expression of the ventriloquism figure's face. 